Skip to content
2025_Gala_Web-Header_Option-05

The 17th Annual
Jay & Betty Van Andel
Legacy Awards Gala

A Prehistoric Party

The Museum’s largest fundraiser, The Jay & Betty Van Andel Legacy Awards Gala, honors outstanding leaders throughout West Michigan who have inspired others with their personal and professional investments in the Grand Rapids and West Michigan communities past, present, and future.

Event Co-Chairs: David & Carol Van Andel, Linsey Gleason

Donate

Our 2025 Honorees

“The Casey” Award 
Matt Vriesman

Dave & Carol Van Andel Leadership Award
David Bulkowski

Jay & Betty Van Andel Lifetime Achievement Award 
John Dean

Interested in Sponsorship?

Please contact Lyric Floria with questions regarding sponsorship | lfloria@grpm.org, 616.929.1704

Sponsored By

Title

David and Carol Van Andel Family Foundation logo

Ambassador

Steve and Amy Van Andel Foundation
VARNUM logo
JW Marriot Grand rapids Logo

Jim and Sue Williams

Patron

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Logo
Peter C & Emajean Cook Foundation Logo

James and Barbara Haveman

Jandernoa Foundation logo
Williams Kitchen and Bath logo

Sustainer

Friend

Revisit the 16th Annual Jay & Betty Van Andel Legacy Awards Gala

Silent Auction

Anyone can support the GRPM through the Online Silent Auction. Place your winning bid on fabulous items and experiences!

Auction runs from Thursday, November 14 at 12 p.m. — Sunday, November 17 at 5 p.m.

Check out the Silent Auction

The GRPM is NOW OPEN

⚡ Electricity is back in the building! ⚡
 

The GRPM is open for guests today, July 28. While the Museum is open, the cafe will be closed.

We hope to see you here. Stay cool in the heat today, Grand Rapids!

An exhibit with the label ELECTRICITY in pink lights

Museum Parking Ramp Closed Saturday, July 26

The Museum Parking Ramp will be unavailable for use this Saturday due to the Pleasant Peninsula Mural Festival taking place on Front Avenue. They will be painting 21 new beautiful murals to brighten up Downtown Grand Rapids.

Alternative FREE parking will still be available in the GVSU Mt. Vernon lot at 50 Front Ave SW. See the map below for directions on how to access the Mt. Vernon lot.

See Map

U.S. Service Members and Families Free This Weekend!

This weekend, the GRPM extends free admission to all U.S. service members—active or retired—and their families.
 
See our new Veterans display, in partnership with the Michigan Heroes Museum, honoring West Michiganders who served the United States during World War II.
 

This offer includes those serving in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Guard, Reserves, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, and NOAA Commissioned Corps, along with up to five family members.

Ask our front desk upon arrival to redeem.

Early Closure Notice

The GRPM will be closing early at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14th, for Cabinet of Curiosities: Grand Slam!

This elevated spring fundraiser explores America’s favorite pastime through Grand Rapids history and celebrates the GRPM’s new exhibit, Play Ball! The World’s Largest Collection of Detroit Tigers Autographed Baseballs.

Get Tickets

Planetarium & Cafe Closure Notice

The Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium and the Museum Cafe will be closed from September 2nd – 5th.

Upcoming
Planetarium Closure Notice

The Roger B. Chaffee Planetarium will be closed June 8 through June 15 for the most significant systems upgrade made to our Planetarium in 10 years!

Come back after June 15 to see crisper, cleaner, and more vibrant visuals, and a system capable of showcasing parts of the universe we weren’t able to display before!

Closure Notice

The GRPM will be closed for Easter on Sunday, April 20. We will reopen on Monday, April 21 for normal hours. 

Extended! Become A GRPM Member, Earn $20 in Museum Promo Cash

Get $20 in Museum Promo Cash with the purchase of any membership now through Friday, December 6!

This promo cash can be used towards admission to the Museum, Planetarium tickets, unique local gifts at the Curiosity Shop, and food and beverages at the Museum Cafe.

Become a Member Today!

Museum Promo Cash expires June 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Any unused balance will be forfeited after this date. This card is for promotional purposes only and is not redeemable for cash or Museum credit.

Become A GRPM Member, Earn $20 in Museum Promo Cash!

Get $20 in Museum Promo Cash with the purchase of any membership now through Tuesday, December 3! 

This promo cash can be used towards admission to the Museum, Planetarium tickets, unique local gifts at the Curiosity Shop, and food and beverages at the Museum Cafe.

Become a Member Today!

Museum Promo Cash expires June 30, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Any unused balance will be forfeited after this date. This card is for promotional purposes only and is not redeemable for cash or Museum credit.

Closure Notice

The GRPM will be closed on Thursday, September 12, 2024 for an event. We will re-open on Friday, September 13, 2024 at 9 a.m. 

Late Opening Notice.

On Saturday, May 11, the Museum will open at 12 p.m. due to road closures for the Amway River Bank Run.

Early Closure Notice.

The Museum will close at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 1 for Museum Adventure After Dark. Tickets are still available!